How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before seeking help. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the make and model.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. auto car key replacement should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
It is important to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to identify whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or running around.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. car key replacement doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that the fob goes missing or is stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes however the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that has the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.